THE URBAN DESIGN OF KAWASAKI CITY
The purpose of this information is to try
to describe briefly the history of urban
design programmes which have completed in
the past 20 years.
In addition to that, we summarize the future
of urban design in Kawasaki and the guideline
for color design policy in the bay area.
It is hoped that this will enable anyone
interested in the future development of the
city, for whatever reasons, not only to be
aware of the urban design programmes, but
also to understand the philosophy behind
them .
1 The history of urban design in Kawasaki
Since 1980 , Kawasaki city has initiated
urban design improvements to beautify and
define the amenities within its urban space.
The Urban Design of Kawasaki has been concentrated
around the Kawasaki Station area.
The aim of Urban Design is to promote the
potential beauty of the city.
The master plan for urban design in downtown
Kawasaki,was developed in 1981.
This plan looks for bright and clean urban
spaces.
Urban Design has been employed in three ways
. It has:
(1)been consummated by public works (i.e.
in Kawasaki Station East Square, City Hall
Street Mall, Inage Park, Fuji-mi Park.)
(2)been executed via a combination of public
and private works, (i.e. Kawasaki under ground
shopping center-Azalea,Beautification of
the elevated structure of the Keihin train,
the Cinema Mall,
the Tachibana Mall,the Ginza Mall,the Bokyo-Alley.)
(3)been accomplished by private works, (i.e.
IBM Bld.,Nikko Hotel, Ohta Hospital Cooperation
houses, Kowa Bld., Marui Dep. Komiya Dep.)
Kawasaki's Urban Design Committee was set
up in 1981,so university professors and city
office directors could discuss city design
matters. This committee has convened more
than 20 times.
An award from the Ministry of Construction
was given in the 6th Urban Greenery Contest
for Kawasaki Station Area.
Some other awards have also been given.
2 The future of urban design in Kawasaki
The master plan for a second stage of urban
design "Kawasaki ‡U" is under discussion.
In addition to the Kawasaki Station Area,the
Shin-yurigaoka Area, The bay industrial Area
and
others are being under consideration as important
sites in the new plan.
3 The Kawasaki station area
Public works and control on private building
have been implemented according to "The
Master Plan for Urban Design in Downtown
Kawasaki" in 1981.
The renewal of Kawasaki Station's East Square
and the beautification of City Hall Avenue
were completed in October 1986.
Kawasaki Station, Ryosei Shopping Center
and various offices were also completed in
1986.
Beautification of the Tama-River embankment
is currently in the planning stage .
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4 The Shin-yurigaoka station area
47 hectares of land readjustment were completed
in1984.
The urban design guidelines include set back,
color, billboard and greenery requirements
which were made for this area in 1984.
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5 The bay industrial area
Although the bay industrial area is vital
to Kawasaki city,its image is still confined
to monotonous gray buildings and factories.
To improve the image of bay area, The Kawasaki
local government has been proposing some
color plans based on "the bay area color
scheme guideline."
The buildings or factory facilities are generally
painted every 7 or 8 years.
Paint offers enormous effects. Not only does
it protect the exteriors of the buildings
or the surfaces of the facilities, it transforms
the way we see them so that even their structures
can appear changed.
According to the "color scheme guideline",each
factory can adopt any color scheme after
consulting with the local government.
This guideline offers three color schemes
which are categorized as "non-designated
color design area","designated
color designarea",and "designated
graphics area".
(1)The non-designated color design areaF
In the non-designated color design area enables
the use of basically any colors which are
harmonious and of the same hue.
Choosing one hue from the spectrum ,such
as red,yellow, green, blue or purple,we are
to design based on the harmony of the same
or analogical hues.
The base and accent colors:
The base colors mean the colors which are
used for the walls of buildings,tanks, silos
or chimneys etc.
On the other hand,the accent colors define
the contrast colors which are used for the
smaller parts.
In the non-designated color design area ,accent
colors are limited to the same hue.
Expansion of the accent colors:
Only when great effects are expected from
the design,can we use H,M1,M2 tones which
are different from the basic hue.
(2)The designated color design area:
In the designated color design area, we are
basically required to design with hue harmony,
but design based on tone harmony is also
permitted.
Design based on tone harmony:
The color designing of tone harmony employs
the use of various colors which are different
in hue, yet their degree of brightness,vividness
or a combination of both harmonize with each
other.
We apply this method when we design the same
type of tanks,silos or chimneys,when harmony
is to be maintained.
Vivid and dynamic effect are anticipated
(3)The designated graphics area
We can select buildings which are factory
landmarks in designated graphic areas.
Selection of a graphic area enables the use
of all colors,of all hues and all tones.
When we select a designated graphic area,good
design and art are required.
